First Digital SLR

[RalphLambrecht]

I am buying a Digital SLR for school and for my wife to use when i am done with the class.
This will be my first, and probably last digital camera. It would be nice if we could get some decent years out of it.....it will be used for "General Photography".....snapshots of the Grandchildren and the occasional Pulitzer Prize opportunity that a person stumbles across in every day life.
Is there any big reason not to buy this new Nikon in the link below.?
Thank You

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1433065-REG/nikon_1588_d3500_dslr_camera_with.html?utm_medium=Email%201706478&utm_campaign=Promotion&utm_source=WeeklySpecials%20190114&utm_content=Retail&utm_term=D3500-DSLR-Camera-with&encEmail=23E9F13B63AF171DDD12AAC18053334F340F723D3646D8BFBCDFBC892353122A

no reason at all.

 

[wiltw]

I've owned plenty of full-frame cameras too, still have a Canon EOS 6D. Sure, the larger finder is wonderful. But the smaller ones work fine too. And the larger finder of a full-frame camera comes at the price of a camera that's much bigger, heavier and more expensive, even more so if you want to use a zoom of comparable range on it. The D700 in particular is a beast compared to any of the D3000 or D5000 series Nikons. Conversely, using old manual-focus lenses on DSLRs (I've done plenty of that, too) is, frankly, a nuisance if what you want is mainly a hassle-free way of taking snapshots. Given how you've defined your needs and budget, my recommendation would be to buy a new, inexpensive APS-C DSLR like the D3500 that you've pointed to rather than a well-used old full-frame camera. Any of the late-model Canon EOS Rebel cameras with Canon's latest 24MP APS-C sensor would be a good option, too.

Whichever way you go, good luck and enjoy!

^^^
I used to rely upon medium format SLR or large format monorail quality professional uses; 135 format film was pretty much relegated to vacation shots or very low light (for its faster aperture lenses than medium format).
I now have a 5D FF body, and a 7DII APS-C body. Most of the time I carry the APS-C body, and limit the FF usage primarily to architectural shots in which a Perspective Control lens is so handy (APS-C does not have an equivalent FL shift lens). APS-C is plenty fine enough in quality for most folks who are not professional photographers. The advantage, if you like to shoot birds, is that the DX format Nikon bodies effectively get 'more telephoto' from the same lens....a 300mm on APS-C is like using 450mm on FF body!

 

[DWThomas]

My first "serious" digital was a Canon EOS 40D which I still have and still use for some work. But for travel I acquired a G15 (fast lens, high end P&S) which I generally like. However, during one of my grand wanderings across the USA I was wishing for something in between. Late this fall I acquired a Canon EOS M5 mirrorless with the 18-150 mm zoom (well B&H had a sale!). I also acquired the adapter to use EF and EF-S lenses on it, and am now considering the adapter to put my FD manual lenses on it! It's relatively compact and light, although mostly plastic, but I don't abuse my stuff, so we shall see. The M5 has more pixels (24M) than I know what to do with.

I haven't done too much with it yet, but think it's going to fill that not too big, not to small slot. I have already added the 22mm f/2 "pancake" style lens to the collection -- and that could well be it for acquiring the native EF-M lenses unless they come out with something beyond what's currently available. Canon also has very recently brought out the EF-R series which is a mirrorless full frame, but way more coin of the realm than I'm willing to invest.

 

[GRHazelton]

Pentax has several DSLRs, all of which, I believe, incorporate shake reduction in the body. This means that lenses can be less expensive than those incorporating VR in the lens, and that any lens offers shake reduction. My 500mm mirror lens, for example. Pentax DSLRs have generally excellent viewfinders. Many of their upper models are weather resistant, so a rain shower is of no concern. Plus they can use virtually any K mount lens, Pentax didn't change the lens mount as did Canon. My K 5 offers 16 megapixels, stainless steel chassis, magnesium shell, etc. KEH offers one in EX+ with battery and charger for $242.00. The kit lens, 18-55 mm, weather resistant, metal mount, with caps and hood, in EX+ condition is $86.00. This kit lens is quite good.

 

[MattKing]

I'm very happy with my Olympus OM-D M10 Mark II with 14-42mm kit lens (equivalent to 28-84mm in 135 land).
It is tiny compared to much of my film equipment, and small compared to my Olympus OM 35mm equipment. It has 5 axis vibration reduction built in.
Its relatively tiny sensor (micro 4/3) may be a bit noisy at the extremes, but for what the OP wants to do, its results are wonderful.
And I've had Costco print very satisfactory 12"x16" bordered enlargements from jpegs right out of the camera (no post processing except to check against the printer profile, and adjustment of brightness where required) at the maximum 300 dpi setting for their RA-4 printers - at $5.99 CDN each. The jpeg processor in the camera is excellent!
A heavily resized (for Photrio) example:

 

[CMoore]

I don't know.....i borrowed a Nikon 5300 from the school. Not sure if i am going to buy a Digital SLR.
Boy, are these things light, even compared to my Olympus OM-1n.
Compared to my Nikon F2 or Canon F-1.....well, there is no comparison.

I asked my teacher about the lack of a focusing aid in the viewfinder, she said That is not what she meant when she said she wants us in Manual Mode. Besides, at 59 years of age, she said i am allowed to use the auto-focus.

It seems a very nice camera, or will be when i figure out how to use it.
That is one thing you see right away, they are much more cumbersome to use.....maybe not "use", but to adjust.
The typical SLR has a knob for the shutter speed and a ring on the lens for Aperture.
No doubt it gets (much) faster as you learn it, but it will never seem as intuitive as a film camera. They are just tons simpler.
Anyway.......Thanks for all the Comments and Opinions. I have already learned a lot.

 

[GRHazelton]

I don't know.....i borrowed a Nikon 5300 from the school. Not sure if i am going to buy a Digital SLR.
Boy, are these things light, even compared to my Olympus OM-1n.
Compared to my Nikon F2 or Canon F-1.....well, there is no comparison.

I asked my teacher about the lack of a focusing aid in the viewfinder, she said That is not what she meant when she said she wants us in Manual Mode. Besides, at 59 years of age, she said i am allowed to use the auto-focus.

It seems a very nice camera, or will be when i figure out how to use it.
That is one thing you see right away, they are much more cumbersome to use.....maybe not "use", but to adjust.
The typical SLR has a knob for the shutter speed and a ring on the lens for Aperture.
No doubt it gets (much) faster as you learn it, but it will never seem as intuitive as a film camera. They are just tons simpler.
Anyway.......Thanks for all the Comments and Opinions. I have already learned a lot.

Yep, DSLRs have a real learning curve. I am a proud owner of a Pentax LX, a professional level SLR comparable to a Nikon F3. Its instruction manual is around 30 pages. In common with most film cameras most of its functions can be "intuited" by one familiar with other film cameras. By contrast my Pentax K 5 boasts an instruction manual of some 375 pages! I keep the manual in my backpack with lenses, etc, for "ready reference." While I am very comfortable with the K 5 in some respects I have yet to make full use of its capabilities.
You will "adjust" to whatever DSLR you choose, given a little time and lots of shots, and to some extent many DSLRs can be "customized" to what you prefer.

 

[N4646W]

I am buying a Digital SLR for school and for my wife to use when i am done with the class.
This will be my first, and probably last digital camera. It would be nice if we could get some decent years out of it.....it will be used for "General Photography".....snapshots of the Grandchildren and the occasional Pulitzer Prize opportunity that a person stumbles across in every day life.
Is there any big reason not to buy this new Nikon in the link below.?
Thank You

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1433065-REG/nikon_1588_d3500_dslr_camera_with.html?utm_medium=Email%201706478&utm_campaign=Promotion&utm_source=WeeklySpecials%20190114&utm_content=Retail&utm_term=D3500-DSLR-Camera-with&encEmail=23E9F13B63AF171DDD12AAC18053334F340F723D3646D8BFBCDFBC892353122A

Nikon is currently running an ad on refurbished bodies. Since you already have Nikon glass, this would allow you to upgrade to FF and use your glass as long as it is Ai or your handy enough to modify it. I love my old Nikkor glass, and have even adapted my Bronica glass to our Nikon DSLR's. If your comfortable with used, there are a lot of bargains out there from the major houses for D610, D800, D800E, and some low shutter count D810's. Just got a friend a D610 with a new shutter for $700.

Ron

 

[Lee Rust]

My main complaint with full-frame or even APS size DSLR's is that they are bulky and heavy to carry around on a daily basis, so I use rangefinders, point & shoot or scale-focus cameras for that kind of thing. Micro 4/3 fits into this same size range.

That being said, I have two older Nikon DSLR's...D700 and D70. The D700 is 12mp and a very fine full-frame camera that spends most of it's time on the copy stand. The ancient D70 makes perfectly nice 6mp crop-sensor images with a more compact body and you can get one for less than $100 these days. They both use the same charger and for me the battery life is measured in days, not hours. If your F-mount lenses are manual focus or screw-driven autofocus, any Nikon of this vintage will do the job.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

 

[Lee Rust]

Ko.Fe., for my purposes it's the height of the body on most SLR's that's the issue, not the width. For everyday photos I carry my equipment in one small shoulder bag that's always with me. Any film or digital camera used for this purpose must be no more than 3.5 inches high and 3.5 inches deep (with lens) so that it will fit in along with the light meter, notebook, pen and mini tripod. The camera is stowed vertically, so a wider body like that of a rangefinder can stick up a little bit more just so long as the case can be zipped shut. Bigger cameras need bigger bags so they don't get used as much.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I also do have everywhere, everywhere same bag for year. Not a purse.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...lsoR_FN-Gf8nYYDe1ngSpwAgOS6pvwTRoCtEgQAvD_BwE

 

[Lee Rust]

My purse..
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ank_photo_651_mirrorless_mover_10_camera.html
A Leica-size camera and 35mm lens just barely fits.

 

[blockend]

My main complaint with full-frame or even APS size DSLR's is that they are bulky and heavy to carry around on a daily basis, so I use rangefinders, point & shoot or scale-focus cameras for that kind of thing. Micro 4/3 fits into this same size range.

Agreed. There was a time I was prepared to walk round with a Mamiya Press 6 x 9, or a couple of Nikons. Now a rangefinder or a little Panasonic M4/3 does the trick.

I also agree with the OP's resistance to digital camera complexity, in fact it was the reason I was a late adopter of digital photography. For a complete digital newbie to printer the learning curve is steep, no question.

 

[George Mann]

I really have no Cares/Concerns about image quality.
I simply want to buy a "decent" camera that will last for awhile.

Then you don't want a Nikon! Canon makes cameras that are far more reliable.

 

[guangong]

For convenience when carrying around to take pics of family, dogs, etc I recommend something like the Olympus Pen 4/3. There are a number of good cameras about the same size with a wide cost spread. For once the industry did something rational, and all lens mounts are the same. Adapters available for almost every lens, from ltm and on...
I do recommend one with an optical viewfinder.

 

[Chan Tran]

For convenience when carrying around to take pics of family, dogs, etc I recommend something like the Olympus Pen 4/3. There are a number of good cameras about the same size with a wide cost spread. For once the industry did something rational, and all lens mounts are the same. Adapters available for almost every lens, from ltm and on...
I do recommend one with an optical viewfinder.

I don't know if any of the Olympus Pen has optical viewfinder but if it does I wouldn't want it. The optical viewfinder on a Pen can not be a reflex type and thus is not accurate.

 

[jtk]

I may have missed someone mentioning this earlier: the flapping mirror that's fundamental to "SLR" cameras, digital (like my Pentax K20D) or otherwise is ancient history.

No mirror means sensor is closer to optics which in turn means higher detail resolution. As well, a SLR's flapping mirror is noisy and involves an unnecessary gizmo ...compare that to mirrorless digital cameras that LOOK LIKE smaller SLRs but are BETTER in every respect...including smaller and more rugged.

If I wasnt' deep into another astounding mirrorless system (which works nicely with Pentax lenses) I'd go with Sony.